Rafael Leao drop two-word transfer hint in new message after Liverpool, Arsenal links
Chelsea and Liverpool are two of several clubs in the market for a new left winger this summer and Rafael Leao is on the radar of both.
Leao featured off the bench for Portugal in their UEFA Nations League Final victory over Spain on 8 June and heads into the summer transfer window off the back of 25 goals and assists for AC Milan last term.
The 26-year-old has recorded over 25 goal contributions in each of the past four seasons, and this form has attracted the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal as they look to bolster their left flanks in attack.
Former Man United scout Mick Brown told Football Insider last month that Arsenal planned to sign Leao as a possible replacement for Gabriel Martinelli, but the Brazilian now looks set to stay at the Emirates.
Premier League clubs on alert as Leao says ‘we’re coming’
Milan could only record an eighth-place finish in Serie A last season and will not play European football next term as a result, which has seen Chelsea launch a cut-price bid for goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
Liverpool may have broken both their transfer record to sign Florian Wirtz this summer, but Mick Brown also told Football Insider that the Reds are also preparing a “big-money move” to bring Leao to Anfield.
The Portuguese’s form hasn’t waned to the degree that his Milan team-mates’ did last season, and Leao‘s social media activity has suggested he could be open to a Premier League move this summer.
From an off-season training centre in Miami, Leao posted on his Instagram story (24 June) as he prepares for a strong 2025–26 campaign, and included the message of: “We comin”.
Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal to lock horns in Leao chase
Football Insider Verdict
Leao’s future remains up in the air as interested Premier League clubs circle, but Milan will likely drive a hard bargain for their number 10 after selling Tijjani Reijnders to Manchester City for just £46.5million.
Chelsea could soon be out of the race as they step up their pursuit of Jamie Gittens, but both Liverpool and Arsenal are likely to remain keen on Leao and all three can offer him Champions League football.
Martinelli staying put at Arsenal could see their interest wane and Liverpool’s £116m outlay on Wirtz was already a significant statement, but the three clubs will know that Leao is too good a player to pass on this summer.